Google to remove automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activation from Nearby Connections API

Google has announced an upcoming change to the Nearby Connections API that will remove its ability to automatically turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when establishing connections between nearby Android devices. The update is intended to give users more direct control over their device settings and will require developers to adjust apps that rely on the current behavior.

According to Google, the Nearby Connections API has previously been able to automatically enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, when needed, to help create peer-to-peer connections without requiring users to manually activate those radios. Once the change takes effect, neither Google’s own apps nor third-party apps using the API will be able to switch on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth automatically. Instead, users will need to enable the required connectivity settings themselves before a connection can be established.

The company said the update is designed to provide users with greater visibility and control over their device connectivity. By removing automatic radio activation, apps will no longer be able to change Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings in the background as part of the Nearby Connections workflow.

Google is encouraging developers to prepare for the transition by updating their apps to detect when Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled and clearly prompt users to enable the necessary settings before attempting to connect nearby devices. The company also recommends testing these user flows ahead of the rollout to minimize disruption.

The behavior change will be introduced in a future Google Play services update. Google has not announced a specific release date but said developers should begin adapting their applications now to ensure a smooth transition once the new behavior is enforced.